The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Katsina State arrested 340 persons for different drug-related offences in the outgoing year, an official said. The State Commander of the agency, Mr. Ahmdu Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Tuesday that 58 of those arrested were convicted by the courts and jailed. He said 38 cases were pending at the Federal High Court, Katsina.

Garba said the agency seized 603 kg of drugs, comprising Indian hemp and other psychotropic substances during the year.
He added that NDLEA counselled 188 drug users, rehabilitated and integrated them in society.

“Our aggressive enlightenment campaigns on the danger of drug abuse as well as our patrol on highways will continue with renewed vigour to check the menace,’’ he said.

Garba commended the state government, traditional rulers and religious groups for their support to the agency’s activities.
He appealed to parents to support the agency by monitoring the activities of their children.